Chelsea and Liverpool in battle for £42m Murillo
Chelsea and Liverpool are locked in a battle to sign Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, according to Football Insider. The 24-year-old Brazilian is valued at £42m by Transfermarkt, but Forest are expected to demand a fee well above that figure.
- Player: Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
- Clubs interested: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United
- Valuation: £42m (Transfermarkt)
- Contract: Signed new long-term deal until 2030
- Potential move: 2027
- Source: Football Insider, Pete O'Rourke
Deal details
Murillo joined Nottingham Forest from Corinthians and has made 120 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. His current contract runs until 2030, having signed a new long-term deal last May. Forest's English record sale of Elliot Anderson indicates they will hold out for a significant amount above Murillo's £42m Transfermarkt valuation.
Liverpool are assessing a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, while Chelsea are keen on reinforcing their squad. Both clubs are ready to splash the cash. Manchester United have also previously targeted Murillo. The deal is expected to be difficult due to his long contract and competition from multiple clubs.
What was said
"There will be a lot of competition for his services as well; Chelsea are long-term admirers of Murillo, and they could be tempted to make a move if he becomes available."
"Liverpool have been linked with him as well in the past, and they could reignite that interest because of their issues at centre-back as well."
"Murillo has been a previous target for Manchester United because of how well he's done for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League."
"It'll be a really difficult deal to do because he only signed a new long-term deal last May to keep him at the City Ground until 2030."
O'Rourke's comments highlight the complexity of any potential transfer. Chelsea's long-standing admiration, Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcement, and Manchester United's previous interest all point to a competitive race. However, Murillo's contract situation gives Forest significant leverage.
The numbers
- Appearances for Nottingham Forest: 120
- Goals for Nottingham Forest: 4
- Transfermarkt valuation: £42m
- Contract until: 2030
- Forest's Premier League wins this season: 1 (from 5 games)
Why Forest hold the cards in any Murillo deal
Murillo's contract until 2030 means Nottingham Forest are under no pressure to sell. The defender has been a standout performer, producing crucial tackles and clearances, including a dramatic 97th-minute goal-line clearance against Harry Maguire in April 2025 and another to deny Manchester City's Savinho last season. His performances have attracted attention from top clubs.
Chelsea see Murillo as a long-term addition to their defence, while Liverpool view him as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk. Manchester United's previous interest adds another layer of competition. However, Forest's recent relegation battles and a difficult start to the current season—just one win in five—could cast doubt over his future, but the club's strong bargaining position remains.
Any deal would likely require a fee well above £42m, especially given Forest's record sale of Elliot Anderson. The race is expected to intensify in 2027, with all three clubs ready to spend.
Talking points
- Murillo's £42m valuation seems low for a player with 120 Premier League appearances and crucial defensive contributions; Forest will demand much more.
- Liverpool's interest hinges on Virgil van Dijk's long-term future, but would Murillo be a guaranteed starter at Anfield?
- Chelsea's squad is already deep in defence; would Murillo get regular minutes at Stamford Bridge?
- Manchester United's previous interest could resurface, turning this into a three-way battle.
What happens next
Nottingham Forest's upcoming fixtures and their fight against relegation could influence Murillo's decision. With his contract until 2030, any move is unlikely before 2027. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United will continue to monitor his situation, with formal bids potentially arriving next summer.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Murillo valued at?
Murillo is valued at £42m by Transfermarkt, but Nottingham Forest are expected to demand a fee well above that.
Which clubs are interested in Murillo?
Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all interested in signing Murillo, according to reports.
When does Murillo's contract expire?
Murillo signed a new long-term deal last May, keeping him at Nottingham Forest until 2030.
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